Galician Music Society Building

Formation of the Street

Present-day Myroslav Skoryk Street (known as Tchaikovskoho Street until 2023) developed during the second half of the nineteenth century on the site of the former city fortifications and gardens. After the demolition of the defensive walls, this part of Lviv became a prestigious district with elegant residential buildings and representative public architecture. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the street was actively built up with apartment houses and public buildings in the Historicist and Art Nouveau styles. One of its most prominent landmarks became the building of the Galician Music Society, which continues to define the architectural character of the street today.

Who Was the Owner?

The building was constructed in 1907 for the Galician Music Society, one of the oldest musical societies in Eastern Europe, founded in 1838. The original Neo-Baroque design was prepared in 1905 by architect Władysław Halicki, but during construction it was replaced by a new Art Nouveau project by Władysław Sadłowski. This revised design was ultimately realized and became one of the finest examples of public Art Nouveau architecture in Lviv. Sadłowski’s project was exhibited at the 1910 Exhibition of Polish Architects in Lviv.

What Does the Building Look Like?

The building is an outstanding example of Lviv Art Nouveau, combining elegant decoration with a clear and balanced composition. Its symmetrical façade features a rusticated ground floor, vertical pilasters, a pronounced cornice, and expressive Art Nouveau gables. Particularly striking are the monumental metal swan sculptures by Petro Harasymovych, placed on the side attics.

The architectural decoration reflects the building’s musical purpose. The façade is adorned with reliefs depicting musical instruments, while the wrought-iron balcony railing resembles a stylized musical staff flowing into floral Art Nouveau ornamentation. Inside, the building contains a magnificent concert hall with an elaborate ornamental plaster ceiling, regarded as one of the finest preserved Art Nouveau interiors in Lviv.

Interesting Facts

• The building is considered one of the most important examples of public Art Nouveau architecture in Lviv.
• Architect Władysław Sadłowski completely reinterpreted the original Neo-Baroque design, creating a landmark of early twentieth-century architecture.
• The main façade features seven pilasters, which researchers associate with the symbolic representation of the seven musical notes.
• Between 1911 and 1943, the building housed the prestigious Apollo Cinema, the second cinema in Lviv to screen sound films.
• The concert hall still contains its historic organ, built in 1880, which continues to be used during concerts.

What Is Here Today?

Today the historic building is home to the Lviv National Philharmonic named after Myroslav Skoryk, one of Ukraine’s leading musical institutions. It hosts symphony concerts, international festivals, chamber music performances, and organ recitals. More than a century after its construction, the building continues to serve its original purpose as one of Lviv’s principal centres of musical life while preserving its authentic early twentieth-century architecture and historic interiors.